Kayaking

Challenge I - Kayaking
Time Frame: 3 weeks
Unit Description
The kayaking unit for Challenge Education I is an introduction to kayaking. Students will learn the basic
essentials necessary to be able to safely maneuver and exit a kayak. In addition, students utilize bonds of trust and respect that were formed throughout the team building activities. Trust within a group or between individuals is a necessity when exposing oneself to fearful and uncomfortable situations. The Challenge I kayaking unit allows students to face their fears in a safe and controlled environment while providing them the necessary tools to become a knowledgeable kayaker.
Essential Learning Standard

19.A.5a Demonstrate knowledge and skills in a self-selected individual sport, a team sport, creative movement, and work-related activities.

19.B.5a Apply the principles of efficient movement to evaluate personal performance.

19.C.5a Select components (e.g., equipment, boundaries, number of players, rules) which
promote participation in novel or original physical activities.

3B.5b. Evaluate how responsible decision making affects interpersonal and group
relationships.
Essential Literacy Standard

KID.3.3.12 Inferencing (REL)
I can follow precisely a complex multistep procedure when performing a technical task.
Transfer Goal(s)
Students will be able to demonstrate the Five Finger Contract which includes:
  • Keeping yourself and each other safe
  • Staying committed
  • Demonstrating respect for others and yourself
  • Being present and positive
  • Having fun
  • Building and maintaining relationships
Essential Questions
What does it take to be comfortable in the water?
What does it mean to be safe when kayaking?

Do the skills you know and possess in the pool empower you to use them in another setting?
How do relationships impact kayaking?

What makes kayaking a lifelong activity?
Enduring Understandings

Composure in the water, knowledge of rescue techniques and necessary equipment all contribute to being comfortable and safe in the water.


Possessing the skills necessary to keep yourself and others safe.


Spending time together in a variety of activities builds trust, empathy, safety, and enjoyment.

Skills in kayaking can be applied in multiple environments.
Content Knowledge

Basic kayak Anatomy and Equipment
  • Bow
  • Stern
  • Port
  • Starboard
  • Hull
  • Deck
  • Cockpit
  • Coaming
  • Foot braces
  • Knee & thigh braces
  • Grab loops
  • Spray Skirts
  • Paddles
    • Power face/Active face
    • Non-active face

Basic kayaking skills
  • Wet exit - with and without a skirt
  • Seal entry
  • Universal Distress Signal
  • Hull Rescues/Rescue Rollover
  • Bow Rescue
  • Basic paddling skills
  • Beetling

Basic Water Safety Skills
  • Holding your breath underwater
  • Demonstrate safety within a pool environment
Skills (I can statements…)

Basic Kayak Anatomy and Equipment
  • I can identify basic kayak anatomy.
  • I can identify basic kayak equipment.
  • I can utilize kayaking equipment properly.


Basic kayaking skills
  • I can safely perform basic kayak skills.
  • I can execute basic rescues in and out of the boat.
  • I can maneuver a kayak around the pool.

Basic Water Safety Skills
  • I can, for a determined period of time, hold my breath underwater.
  • I can be safe in a pool environment, by understanding my personal ability level.
Required Resources
Suggested Resources